NEET Paper Leak Case: CBI Finds Digital Footprints, Recovered Phones Sent For Forensic Tests

Last Updated:May 14, 2026, 16:06 IST

The agency is attempting to retrieve deleted chats, messages and files from social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Telegram.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday intensified its probe into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case after discovering crucial digital footprints during the investigation. Officials have seized mobile phones and electronic devices recovered from the accused and sent them to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) for detailed examination.

According to sources, the agency is attempting to retrieve deleted chats, messages and files from social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Telegram. Investigators are also tracing the owners of SIM cards linked to the mobile numbers saved in these applications.

The CBI’s cyber unit is analysing IP addresses to identify the locations from where the leaked material and messages were allegedly circulated. Officials are also preparing a list of “common contacts" found across the phones of the five arrested accused in an attempt to uncover a wider network linked to the leak.

Sources said the agency has not yet found direct evidence pointing towards the involvement of a major organised crime syndicate. However, investigators believe the probe is still at an early stage and no possibility has been ruled out.

ALSO READ: CBI Steps In: Agency Tracks Money Trail, Digital Evidence In NEET Paper Leak Case

The agency has also sought bank account details of the arrested accused to trace the alleged money trail. According to investigators, students were allegedly charged between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for access to the leaked paper.

The investigation has further revealed that the leaked paper allegedly reached Rajasthan through accused Yash Yadav, who was reportedly known to another accused, Vikas Biwal. Sources claimed that Vikas Biwal’s father, Dinesh Biwal, allegedly scanned the hard copy of the question paper and converted it into PDF files before it was circulated among students in Rajasthan’s Sikar district.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, CBI teams have questioned officials at the National Testing Agency (NTA) regarding the entire examination process, including the printing, storage and transportation of question papers. The agency has reportedly gathered details of over 50 individuals linked to the secure handling of the examination process and is examining their financial records and call details.

The CBI is also questioning students who allegedly received the leaked paper in order to identify those involved in password-protecting and circulating the PDF copies.

(With inputs from agencies)

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